Course Description - Early childhood Education
Early Childhood Education Home
LECE1210 Growth and Development
of the Young Child (3 Credits)
An introduction to the child, from birth to age eight, as a learner and family member with needs to explore and communicate, as well as to develop social competence. Explanation of current themes of child development is provided with special emphasis on understanding children’s developmental levels through childhood. Topics covered include: conception, heredity and prenatal development, infant development, the child in the family, toddlerhood and early childhood.
LECE1220 Curriculum Development in Early Childhood (3 Credits)
The design, implementation and evaluation of appropriate programs for young children through age six. Focuses on the concrete, practical application of various theories, philosophies and current research data in the field. Other topics include: the young child as explorer and learner, language, numbers, art and the world, and the effective teacher of young children.
LECE1230 Foundations of Early Childhood Education (3 Credits)
The history of early childhood education and child care, including the contributions of Froebel, Montessori and Wheelock. The course concentrates on a diversity of programs including childcare, Head Start, kindergarten and nursery. Profit and non-profit programs will be examined. Discussion includes historical perspectives, current trends, theories and approaches to the care, development and education of young children.
LECE1240 Health, Nutrition and Safety in Child Care (3 Credits)
Utilizing National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines and all applicable local and state standards, this course provides the student with comprehensive concepts, guidelines, and practices needed to implement appropriate policies and procedures to insure proper nutrition and sanitary, healthy, and safe child care environments. It should be noted that CPR and First Aid training are NOT part of the course.
LECE1260 Infant/Toddler Development (3 Credits)
Focuses on developmentally appropriate practices for infant/toddler caregivers. Students will explore various theoretical perspectives on infant/toddler development and the pragmatics of caring for young children in early childhood settings. A study of important influences on infant and toddler development, with emphasis on the role and responsibilities of parents and caregivers in creating high quality, supportive environments with sensitivity to attachment and the importance of communication skills in nurturing positive parent/teacher/child relationships.
LECE1610 Early Childhood Practicum I (5 Credits)
In order to develop appropriate attitudes and skills and to effectively apply knowledge to the care and education of young children, the student works in a licensed and approved setting under the supervision of a qualified professional. Periodic conferences between the supervisor and the practicum instructor evaluate the student’s progress. At the close of the semester, the student submits documentation relating theory, practice and the student’s practicum learning experiences. Work at the practicum site along with peer review, self-reflection and disclosure combine to create a structure that promotes and supports personal and professional growth. (Prerequisites: LENG 1200, LECE 1210 or LECE 1260, and LECE 1220)
LECE2160 Young Children’s Special Needs (3 Credits)
This course will broaden the student’s awareness of the theoretical and legal foundations for programs serving young children from infancy through age eight with a wide range of special education needs. Students will examine the causes, symptoms, social consequences and behavior characteristics of children with special needs. Emphasis will be on education for children and their families. Disabilities and special needs, theoretical foundations and practical implications, legal requirements, rights and procedures are discussed.
LECE2240 Math and Science in Early Childhood (3 Credits)
This course will provide students with the theoretical and developmental knowledge necessary to effectively teach the basic concepts of math and science to young children. Students will develop their skills in preparing developmentally appropriate activities which promote inquisitiveness, problem solving, and exploration. The interrelationship between math and science and other areas of the curriculum will be explored. Students will need access to young children.
LECE2300 Program and Facility Management (3 Credits)
This course provides a comprehensive study of the operation of an early childhood education child care facility. Staffing and supervision, including orientation, training and termination are explored as they relate to the business of child care. Students develop business and marketing plans according to accepted business standards. New Hampshire Child Care Standards and Licensing requirements, Title XX Block Grants and funding sources are included.
LECE2310 Early Literacy Development (3 Credits)
Early Literacy Development involves listening, speaking, drawing, singing and acting, as well as reading. It includes all the ways children communicate ideas and receive those of others. This course will focus on concepts underlying early literacy development and using children’s literature and creative activities to enable students to develop a repertoire of experiences and a portfolio of resources to enhance emergent literacy in young children.
LECE2610 Early Childhood Education Practicum II (3 Credits)
The student works in a licensed and approved setting under the supervision of a qualified professional to acquire the advanced skills required for greater autonomy in the planning and implementation of activities for young children. Periodic conferences between the student, supervisor and the practicum instructor are held to evaluate the student’s progress. At the close of the semester, the student submits detailed documentation relating theory, practice, and the student’s learning experiences at the practicum site. Work at the practicum site along with peer review, self-reflection and disclosure combine to create a structure that promotes and supports personal and professional growth. (Prerequisites: LECE 1610)
